Thailand: Science Diplomacy To Boost R&D, Counter Global Shifts
Bangkok—Thailand must adopt proactive strategies, prioritize technological sovereignty, and cultivate new markets to navigate the turbulent waters of «Globalization 3.0» under a second Trump administration, experts warn. This new era of global trade, marked by increased uncertainty and potential U. S.-China economic decoupling, requires a strategic shift toward innovation, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI), clean energy, and semiconductors, according to a seminar held by the Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI) on Monday.
The seminar, titled «Trump 2.0, Crisis or Opportunity for Thailand’s Science Research and Innovation System,» highlighted the changing dynamics of global trade. Arm Tungnirun, a board committee member of the National Commission on Science Research and Innovation, explained that «Globalization 3.0» signifies a retreat from interconnected global markets, with the U. S. and China increasingly focusing on domestic production. This contrasts sharply with previous eras: «Globalization 1.0» saw China as the world’s factory, while «Globalization 2.0» witnessed companies relocating from China to countries like Vietnam, Mexico, and Thailand.
This inward focus by the U. S. and China presents significant challenges for Thailand, particularly regarding exports to the U. S., a key market traditionally targeted by Thai businesses. Furthermore, Thailand faces increased competition from Chinese factories now operating within ASEAN, eroding the previous advantage of attracting relocated Chinese investment.
Mr. Tungnirun emphasized the need for a proactive approach, moving beyond crisis management to actively cultivate new markets and invest in research and development (R&D). He stressed the importance of participating in new cooperative alliances to bolster economic security and advocated for accelerated development of Thailand’s digital infrastructure and technology sector.
In response to these evolving global realities, the TSRI has adopted a targeted funding model under the «Thailand First Development Agenda.» This approach prioritizes market development through technological innovation, focusing specifically on AI, clean energy, and semiconductors. These sectors are viewed as crucial for enhancing Thailand’s competitiveness in the face of intensifying global competition.
The intensifying U. S.-China rivalry is expected to reshape global supply chains, creating opportunities for countries like Thailand to position themselves as hubs for economic and trade cooperation. However, this requires bolstering competitiveness in technology and international trade, particularly given strong competition from regional rivals such as Malaysia and Indonesia.
A key element of Thailand’s strategy, according to Mr. Tungnirun, involves embracing «science diplomacy.» This entails strategically balancing engagement with both the U. S. and China while leveraging cooperation within ASEAN and between ASEAN and Europe. Even with potential reductions in U. S. investment and aid under a second Trump term, Thailand sees an opportunity to foster self-reliance and build new global partnerships.
Sompong Klaynongsruang, president of the TSRI, highlighted the need for increased investment in R&D from both the public and private sectors. Currently, Thailand’s total R&D spending stands at 200 billion baht, with only 40 billion coming from the public sector. The goal is to increase public R&D spending from the current 1.1% of GDP to 2% by 2027, or even sooner.
Bank Ngamarunchot, director of the Science, Technology and Innovation Policy Institute, pointed to the pressure Thailand faces from U. S. tariffs on high-tech products and the potential influx of cheaper Chinese goods. He suggested tariff negotiations as a protective measure and emphasized the importance of attracting knowledge transfer. He also advocated for exploring new markets in «neutral» territories, particularly within ASEAN, Northeast Asia, and Europe.
The seminar concluded with a clear message: Thailand must embrace innovation, forge new partnerships, and adapt to the changing landscape of global trade to thrive in the era of «Globalization 3.0» and the uncertainties presented by a second Trump term.
